JPH10118045A - Medical diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to configure a medical diagnostic apparatus so that MR imaging and X-ray imaging can be performed simultaneously. According to the present invention, there is provided an MR apparatus and an X-ray imaging apparatus which are spatially arranged so that imaging of a patient can be performed simultaneously without moving the patient using a common patient lying apparatus. The problem is solved by configuring a medical diagnostic device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical diagnostic apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus (MR) is a highly reliable diagnostic means, and it can perform cross-sectional views and three-dimensional reconstruction. However, X-ray diagnostics for imaging are more suitable for some applications, for example for skeletal displays. If one patient has to undergo both MR and X-ray photography, it will be necessary to move the patient to two different devices. German Patent DE 39 31 531 describes a medical diagnostic device having an MR device and an X-ray device. In this medical diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of image data are superimposed for more accurate diagnosis. However, MR imaging and X-ray imaging can only be performed sequentially on the same patient.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical diagnostic apparatus capable of simultaneously performing MR imaging and X-ray imaging.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided an MR apparatus and an X-ray apparatus, wherein a patient is imaged simultaneously using a common patient lying apparatus without moving the patient. This problem is solved by configuring a medical diagnostic apparatus that is disposed in a temporary manner.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on the premise that an X-ray apparatus can be incorporated into an MR apparatus.
If film or sheet technology is used to perform the radiography, real-time operation is not possible because the film must first be developed or the storage sheet must be removed. An X-ray image amplifier capable of real-time operation is not used as an image capturing system. This is because the image is obstructed by the magnetic field of the MR device. In the present invention, a solid state detector is used as an imaging system. Said detector is based on a matrix of sensing elements, for example of hydrogenated amorphous silicon. This type of detector is independent of the magnetic field,
The line image can be taken at the same time as the MR image.

[0006]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated below.

A patient 1 is shown in FIGS.
The patient lies on the couch 2 and enters the MR device 3 which is opened laterally for performing MR imaging. The volume to be examined by magnetic resonance is indicated by reference numeral 4. The laterally open MR device 3 allows access for performing procedures on the patient 1 from the side. The processing of the MR signal is performed by the image electronic device 5, and the MR image is reproduced on the monitor 6.

An X-ray beam generator 7 is provided for performing X-ray photography. This X-ray beam generator is fed and controlled by an X-ray generator 8. An X-ray beam bundle 9 emitted from the X-ray beam generator 7 is expanded in a pyramid shape and strikes a detector 10. This detector is formed from a matrix of detection elements. Each detection element may be formed from a photodiode and a preconnected scintillator. In that case, the scintillator converts the X-ray beam into visible light and the photodiode converts the visible light into a corresponding electrical signal. The output signal of the detecting element of the detector 10 is sent to the image electronic device 11. A monitor 12 is connected to the image electronic device for reproducing an X-ray image.

In the illustrated medical diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray image and an MR image can be simultaneously formed in real time. These images may be reproduced on two separate monitors 6, 12, or may be superimposed on one monitor.

The important point is that the patient 1 can receive both the application of the magnetic field of the MR apparatus and the transmission of the X-ray beam 9 at the same time. Therefore, the above-described simultaneous image formation can be performed.

FIG. 1 shows that the X-ray beam generator 7 is separated from the MR apparatus 3 by a sufficient distance mechanically and separately from an on-floor stand 14.
The manner in which it is arranged above is shown. This floor-mounted stand 1
4 can be used to move the X-ray beam generator 7 on the floor and, if not required, to the resident position. When the X-ray beam generator 7 is required, the beam path is arranged to be free. This allows MR
The magnetic field of the device 3 has little effect on the X-ray beam generator 7.

The influence can be further reduced by appropriately covering the X-ray beam generator 7 with a material that shields the magnetic field.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a modification in which the X-ray beam generator 7 is tiltably connected to the upper leg of the MR apparatus via the lever arm 13. This places the X-ray beam generator 7 in the resident position according to FIG. 2 and in the operating position according to FIG.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diagnostic device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of one position of an X-ray beam generator in the diagnostic device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the position of the X-ray beam generator in the diagnostic device shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Patient 2 Bed part 3 MR apparatus 4 Volume 5 Image electronic device 6 Monitor 7 X-ray beam generator 8 X-ray generator 9 X-ray beam flux 10 Detector 11 Image electronic device 12 Monitor 13 Lever arm 14 Floor stand 15 Cover

Claims (7)

[Claims] A patient (1) is moved by using a common patient recumbent device (2) having an MR device (3) and an X-ray imaging device (7, 10), wherein imaging of the patient (1) is performed. A medical diagnostic apparatus characterized in that the medical diagnostic apparatus is spatially arranged so that the medical diagnostics can be performed at the same time. 2. Diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the detector (10) of the radiographic device (7, 10) is a solid-state detector consisting of a matrix of detection elements. 3. The MR device (3) is laterally open to allow lateral access to the patient recumbent device (2), and the detector (10) is arranged opposite a lateral opening. ,
The diagnostic device according to claim 1. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein an X-ray beam generator is connected to the MR device so as to be movable to a resident position or an operating position. Diagnostic device. 5. The diagnostic device according to claim 4, wherein the X-ray beam generator (7) is connected to an upper leg of the MR device (3) via a lever arm (13). 6. An X-ray beam generator (7) comprising:
4) supported on 4), wherein the stand is freely movable in the room.
The diagnostic device according to any one of the above. 7. The X-ray beam generator (7) is provided with the MR
The diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic device is covered for reducing the influence of a magnetic field of the device.